Psalms 39
The speaker initially tries to remain silent in the presence of the wicked, but their distress grows and they eventually speak out to God, asking to know the measure of their days and acknowledging the fleeting nature of human life. They express their hope in God and ask for deliverance from their transgressions, acknowledging that God's discipline is just. The speaker also asks God to hear their prayer and to look away from them so they may find joy before they die.
1I said, "I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence."2I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse.3My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:4"O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!5Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah6Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!7"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.8Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool!9I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.10Remove your stroke from me; I am spent by the hostility of your hand.11When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah12"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears! For I am a sojourner with you, a guest, like all my fathers.13Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!"
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